About 300 cars were trapped on the A30 in Okehampton and were told to stay in their vehicles and not take "unnecessary risks" by walking in "dangerous conditions".

Hundreds of other drivers were also stranded on the A38 near Chudleigh and at Haldon Hill.

Headteacher of the Parc Eglos School, Brett Dye praised staff at McDonald's and gave out free drinks and food and and were prepared to stay open all night.

He said: "The children were allowed to stay in the main restaurant as long as they wanted and were given plenty to do.They pulled out all the stoppers, lots of free meals thrown in etc. And forty free drinks.

"They were prepared to not go home and stay open all night to make sure the children were warm.

TOfficials at Avon and Somerset Constabulary also declared a major incident after more than 100 cars were abandoned or stranded on the A303 and A358 (Image: SWNS)

"Meanwhile we started the hunt for accommodation and the staff were busy trying everywhere. The whole service station pulled out the stoppers and very soon a phone was thrust at me with a lady from Travelodge on the other end of the line.

"She was so helpful and I managed to acquire some rooms. However, I still had a major problem or two. The motorway was blocked and moreover the coach driver was not allowed to drive and the hill up to the M5 had not been treated."

They were eventually escorted by police up the hill and into the hotel.

Here's who to contact at Somerset Live and when with news of travel and snow updates:

ruth.ovens@midsomnews.co.uk - from 7am until 2pm on Friday, March 2

james.wood@westgaz.co.uk - from 2pm until 10pm on Friday, March 2

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